Songs and fun as pupils say farewell to primary school

Children and staff at a Crawley school were given a send-off full of songs and laughter as they prepared to head for new schools and new jobs.

The hall at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Primary, in Langley Green, was packed with parents on Friday (July 18) as the pupils shared their favourite memories about their time at the school.

Our Lady Queen of Heaven SUS-140718-113943001

As well as waving off the children of Year 6, the school said goodbye to three teachers – Gareth Lehmann, Chris Phillips and Sarah Carroll.

Mr Lehmann and Mr Phillips, who have been at the school for eight and five years respectively, will be moving to different schools, while Ms Carroll, who has been at the school for one year, will be heading home to Northern Ireland to get married.

Headteacher Tobias Melia said: “We wish them well. It’s very sad and they are much-loved colleagues but we all move on eventually.”

Among the favourite memories shared by the children were school trips, projects and practical jokes such as the good old-fashioned whoopie cushion on a teacher’s chair.

Speaking about the leavers’ assembly, Mr Melia added: “I’m very proud that the children presented themselves so well and I’m delighted we had so many parents.

“One of the real strengths of this school is that it’s a community. It’s a really good example of how a school should work. It works in terms of the community working together and being cohesive.”

Replacements have already been found for the three teachers, and include Sarah Ward, who will be returning from maternity leave.

The other new faces for next term will be Clare Reddick and Sheila Datoo.

Mr Melia praised the pupils for the work they had put in to help raise the school’s achievements when it came to reading, writing and maths.

Last year’s Key Stage 2 saw the school earn 69 per cent – up nine per cent from the previous year – and this year looks to have been even better.

Mr Melia said the results, which will be published later this summer, show Our Lady achieved 82 per cent.

He said: “Our results the last couple of years have been disappointing but the children have worked their socks off and came in during the Easter holidays and came in before and after school to work.”

Among the reasons for the head to be proud of his students in the Our Lady Queen of Heaven choir.

Made up of children from all years, the choir has performed at the Crawley Festival and the Hawth and will be appearing at the O2 Arena in January.